SWOT Analysis & Goals

I. Technology SWOT Analysis

Strengths
My greatest strength is my tenacity and persistence when faced with a challenge. Becoming technologically literate has certainly been a challenge. My stubborn streak has served me well this summer.
Before I began this course, I was a self proclaimed techno-idiot. However, I love learning and am eager to learn how to better meet the needs of my students. This strength has led to an emerging strength - integrating some new-to-me technologies into the academic experiences that I design.

Weaknesses
Perfectionism - that is one of my chief weakness, and a wicked weakness at that. My version of perfectionism can be paralyzing if I am not on my guard. Since I have long nursed a belief that I am naturally incapable of being technologically literate, I have avoided even trying. I have habitually, reflexively passed off techno-issues to someone "more knowledgeable." Confession is good for the soul.
The NETS-T survey reveals some specific weaknesses. I'm afraid the list is quite lengthy, so the reader should make himself comfortable.

• "promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes." It's the "collaborative tools" that are my weakness.
• "model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments." Again, it's the collaborative tools that are my weakness.
• "....enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals," This is the portion that is my weakness, especially the "individual curiosities" phrase.
• "customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles." This overwhelms me.
• "provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards"
• "demonstrate fluency in technology systems" - I wouldn't say that I am "fluent"; literate, perhaps, but not fluent.
• "collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members" - Collaboration again, and a lot of it. I see this as a threat to teaching time.
• "develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital-age communication and collaboration tools" - I infrequently think about engaging those from other cultures/nations.
• "contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community" - I am still on such a sharp learning curve that I don't think I would have much to contribute to the technological vitality of a school.

Opportunities

• As a home educator I have the flexibility to learn about and try new technological tools "on the fly." As an administrator and instructor at LCHA, I have the opportunity to put to use several of the tools that I learned about this semester. >Since we meet twice weekly for classes, much of the student's work is done at home. This presents an enormous opportunity for the design & implementation of virtual & distance learning applications. I could leap beyond email and phone calls.
• I have the opportunity to continue my education in the use of technology. I may do so through UWG (high cost but high effectiveness) or online courses found through Google searches.

Threats

• Not all classrooms (at Central HS, as of Fall '09) have computers with an internet connection.
• Time and money are limiting factors in regard to continuing education.
• The blinding pace of day-to-day life could blur my vision of the need to stay on the leading edge with my technology knowledge.

II. Goals

Goal #1: Learn how to host group discussions in real time and also on Blogger. Learn to promote and create collaborative learning opportunities.


Goal #2: Search for and learn about new technology for education at least once monthly.